Therapists for college students near Portland, OR

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I provide individual therapy to people ages 18 and up. I specialize in working with queer and trans people, pot-stirrers, and outsiders. I enjoy working with people who are confronting major identity shifts, people who are navigating issues with their families of origin, and people who are trying to envision a future they never imagined themselves in (What is middle age? What is aging in queer spaces? How can I live meaningfully in late stage capitalism?).

I recognize that seeing a therapist can feel like a big step to take. It is the beginning of a new relationship, a change to how you have been living, and a reflection on how you got to where you are today. For all of these reasons it is normal to feel anxiety or stress about making sure you find the right fit in a counselor. I believe in approaching counseling through a holistic lens, considering the ways that your environment, work or school related stress, relationships, social systems, and traumatic or other lived experiences might affect you in the present. With these considerations, I will support you in building a greater sense of self-awareness, allowing you to develop tools to live more closely in line with your values and aspirations. I work with clients in a manner that is both sensitive and analytical. You might be coming to counseling with something very specific that you would like to work on, or you might be unsure why things are not feeling right in your life. Perhaps you are feeling like your life is not going the way you had hoped, and you are missing a sense of purpose, excitement, or connection. Maybe you are struggling to change a behavior, relationship structure, or just the way that you're feeling day to day. In all of these cases, I will support you in figuring out the best path forward. My goal is to create a compassionate, collaborative space where you can better understand your experiences, resolve internal and relational conflicts, and move toward a more authentic and fulfilling life.

At Assert Your Boundaries Counseling, we provide trauma-informed therapy for adults, couples, and professionals across Oregon and Washington. We specialize in EMDR therapy, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, burnout, life transitions, and culturally responsive mental health care. Led by Dr. Pauline Botchway, our practice offers compassionate, evidence-based support for individuals seeking healing, growth, and healthier boundaries. We work with clients navigating trauma, stress, identity concerns, workplace challenges, and emotional overwhelm. Our practice also provides clinical supervision for LPC associates and supports clients seeking accessible, inclusive care in a welcoming environment. We offer both in-person and telehealth therapy sessions.

I love supporting people in better understanding themselves. I value a collaborative relationship with clients as well as crafting the therapeutic experience to meet the needs of each individual I work with. I welcome members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community and provide affirming care for folks on the gender spectrum and/or amid gender transition. I have experience treating anxiety disorders, depression, trauma, life transition issues, and relationship concerns (family, partners, social) and have specific training in DBT, CBT, and post-modern models. I am a systemic therapist and will often bring larger systems, identity intersections, and relationships into our conversations.

In-person and video sessions. College life can be difficult at times, even more so lately. You have what it takes to get through it and I am here to help you recognize and develop your strength and capability. You may feel lost, alone, confused, conflicted, indecisive, anxious and that's an okay place to start. I have experience working at colleges and universities both in Portland and New York City. My hourly rates are lower than many since I am not accepting insurance but I can give you a receipt and/or statement that you might use for some reimbursement.

If you’re looking for a supportive and easy-to-talk-to therapist, to help you achieve your goals, we may be a good fit. I help adults and adolescents that are struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD and relationship issues. I help students trying to find their place in life. I also help men overcome anger issues that may negatively impact their quality of life. I practice CBT, ACT, and DBT. I work with business owners, creatives, students, athletes, musicians, writers, therapists, teenagers and more. Together, we will find solutions to your struggles so you live your rich and meaningful life. I do telehealth and walk-and-talk therapy, aka ecotherapy. We'll either meet online or at a park in Portland and walk for 50 minutes. Ecotherapy gives you exercise, forest bathing and talk therapy. Couples, men and trauma survivors often prefer ecotherapy since walking often increases vulnerability. Together, we'll help you feel better and get better. I owned two businesses before I became a therapist. One appeared on The Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan. I’m also a father, husband, friend, animal lover, mistake-maker, Little League coach, ex-D 1 athlete and (hopefully) down-to-earth. I strive to bring trust and transparency to my relationships. I believe humility is a superpower. Call or email me and let’s connect!

I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Oregon. I grew up in Los Angeles as a bilingual and bicultural person and earned my Bachelor’s degree in Social Welfare and Social Justice from California State University, Northridge, and my Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. With over 10 years of experience in social services and mental health, I’ve supported people navigating a variety of transitions and hardships, including financial instability, domestic violence, trauma, and relationship challenges. My lived experience, combined with clinical training, has reinforced my belief that therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all; each person’s journey is unique. I strive to meet my clients where they are with warmth, empathy, and flexibility. I consider myself a mindfully authentic therapist—present, responsive, and genuine in our shared space. My approach involves creating a nonjudgmental environment where clients feel safe, heard, and valued. I believe growth starts with self-acceptance, and my goal is to help clients navigate life’s challenges with compassion and understanding. I am passionate about helping couples strengthen their connection, rebuild trust, and heal together. I have experience supporting couples through challenges such as infidelity, communication struggles, parenting, and major life transitions. I also work with adults and adolescents (14+) dealing with PTSD, complex and relational trauma, relationship concerns, postpartum challenges, life transitions, OCD, ADHD, depression, low self-esteem, and other anxiety disorders, including social anxiety, phobias, and panic disorders. I take a person-centered, strengths-based approach, integrating evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Narrative Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Gottman Couples Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Attachment-Based Therapy, and Trauma-Informed/Resiliency Care.

Our therapists love working with college students because they are at such an important time in their lives and it’s a rich time for growth and deeper self understanding. The clients we help the most are committed to the process of self awareness and change, even if it’s hard. Going to college can be scary and bring up a lot of challenges. It can be hard to live separately from your family for the first time. There can be so many difficulties at college that you didn’t expect. We are here to help. Our therapists are relatable and effective in their work. We welcome you!

I have a passion for working with college students and people in the midst of life transitions. I utilize a holistic approach by taking into account your presenting concern as well as your strengths, your community, and your environmental context. I enjoy the collaborative process of building awareness and understanding as we explore the impact of cultural, familial, societal, physical, social, and spiritual factors on your psychological concerns. I am honored to work with people as they channel their courage to face challenges in their lives - to bring healing and growth out of pain and struggle. So often we humans try to avoid our pain or we get stuck in it; I believe we are all doing the best we can in the moment with what we have and what we know. I am here to walk alongside you for awhile in your journey towards integration, authenticity, and well-being. Clients often describe me as warm, empathic, non-judgmental, genuine, empowering, gently challenging, and compassionate. My approach is client-centered, solution-focused, body positive, and LGBTQ-affirming. I amplify one's resilience and strengths by incorporating mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), narrative therapy, self-compassion, and interpersonal process. I am also always in the process of growth and learning about new approaches and perspectives through continuing education and consultation, gaining valuable insights to my own biases and privileges.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker located in East Portland. Perhaps you are seeking therapy because you are unhappy with something in your life. Your happiness is important and I believe it's possible to feel more joy. Therapy can feel like a scary step, but you are worth the risk. Therapy is a place where you get to talk to someone who is non-judgmental and nurturing and who can offer you a more objective perspective on how to make the changes in your life that you desire. I view therapy as a collaboration, an exchange where we work together to reach your goals. Reach out to me for more information or to see if we would be a good fit. Email is the best way to reach me: kit@kitmurraylcsw.com

The particularity of our stories matter. Even stories of harm and shame are evident of our desperate and deepest attempts to be seen in our aliveness together. Despite the sufferings and stressors that may plague our lives, I believe your inner world holds a beautiful hearth that longs to center you and call you home. By working together from a place of safety and empowerment, I am interested in exploring together what it means to heal and live a life that you find meaningful. As a Relational Psychodynamic therapist, I bring a depth of training that honors the beautiful complexities of the human spirit, as well as the belief that what arises in the therapy session is always worth our attention and curiosity. I specialize in working with trauma, grief, shame, anxiety, life transitions, relationship dynamics, and more. I strive to practice with an open mindset that is culturally sensitive and anti-oppressive. What arises in you will always be worthy of love, presence, and curiosity during our work together. I admire your openness and commitment to taking the next step. If you think we may work well together or have any questions, I would love to chat more!

My work is based on Mindfulness, Buddhist Psychology, and Gestalt Therapy. All are adept approaches to increasing awareness of our embodied experience and discovering more authentic ways of living a fulfilling life. My approach works to help clients develop resiliency, emotional flexibility, and explore the careful balance between acceptance and change. I support clients’ process of deepening into a more compassionate and loving relationship with themselves and the world by accepting who they truly are. Simultaneously, I challenge people to examine and move beyond rigid, habitual beliefs or behaviors and develop more alive, creative, and connective ways of being in the world.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I specialize in working with college students, graduate students and early career professionals who struggle with anxiety, perfectionism, trauma, depression, burn out and more. If you're asking yourself "how am I supposed to balance school/work, having a social life, eating healthy, exercising, having hobbies and taking care of my mental health?!" you are not alone. Adulting is hard, especially when you still feel like you're new to it. You might feel like your thoughts are always negative or spiraling out of control or you're always tense or can't seem to stay in the moment for things that are "supposed" to be fun. My approach to therapy focuses on helping you learn to relax, reduce the impact of negative thoughts, savor the joyful things in life, and live in alignment with your values. In therapy with me you will learn concrete strategies to improve your life while also having time to just "talk it out" in a warm and supportive environment. I offer a free, 15-minute phone consultation prior to scheduling our first session to determine if I am the best fit for your care. Please call, text or email now to schedule a consultation. Looking forward to speaking with you!

I support college students through relationships, academics, anxiety, stress, depression, ADHD, and trauma. Working toward goals in these areas of life can be stressful and overwhelming, and you don't have to do it alone! Together we will partner to identify your needs, develop ways of getting through the day to day, and make lasting changes. Feel tree to text, call, or email me, and we can get started right away.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), an evidence based treatment for specific challenges like OCD, anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, and depression. This requires a collaborative and supportive process tailored to each individual. With the right treatment it is possible to see significant changes in symptoms so you can spend more time pursing what is most important to you. I am offering primarily telehealth based appointments within Oregon and in-person appointments within the Portland area as needed. Treatment is focused on creating behavioral changes, starting with areas where symptoms have had the most significant, and negative life-impacts. Focusing on one small change at a time can lead to greater freedom from symptoms, and more time spent actively pursuing what is most important in your life.

Are you feeling anxious, disconnected, or overwhelmed? Do questions around identity, trauma, or relationships leave you feeling stuck or unseen? I’m here to help. My approach is warm, queer-informed, and collaborative, creating a space where you feel safe to explore and heal. I believe you are the expert in your own life, and together, we’ll work to untangle the challenges you face while building on your strengths. Whether you’re navigating questions of gender, sexual orientation, or systemic pressures, I’m committed to helping you find clarity, connection, and empowerment on your journey. With training in various therapy modalities, I tailor my approach to each client’s unique needs, focusing on what works best for their system. This is where we collaborate to discover what feels right for you. Additionally, I offer pre-surgical assessments for individuals seeking gender-affirming surgery. Finding the right therapist is important, and I’d love to help you determine if we’re a good fit. Our initial 15-minute consultation is free, a chance for you to share your needs and get a feel for my approach. If you’re ready to take the next step, I invite you to schedule through my website.

Many of my clients are college students and young adults navigating anxiety, ADHD, Autism, chronic illness, eating disorders, body image concerns, perfectionism, and people-pleasing. I also support clients working through trauma, relationship challenges, burnout, and the many transitions that come with growing into adulthood. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed by expectations, disconnected from yourself, or unsure of what comes next, therapy can be a space to slow down, make sense of your experiences, and reconnect with what matters to you. I take a relational and collaborative approach to therapy, integrating evidence-based approaches including ACT, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, DBT, and Compassion Focused Therapy with feminist, person-centered, and strengths-based perspectives. I believe therapy is not about changing who you are, but about understanding yourself more deeply, building self-compassion, and finding tools that support a life that feels meaningful to you. My approach is grounded in genuine connection, curiosity, and authenticity. As someone who is neurodivergent and lives with chronic illness, I bring both personal and professional experience to understanding the ways our minds, bodies, and environments influence our experiences. I strive to create an LGBTQIA+ affirming, neurodiversity-affirming, and weight-inclusive space where you feel seen, heard, and valued. I recognize that our mental health is shaped by many parts of our lives, including our identities, relationships, communities, and the world around us. Together, we can explore what has shaped you, challenge patterns that no longer serve you, and create space for growth and meaningful change. Outside of work, you’ll usually find me spending time with my three cats, enjoying nature, reading, exploring creative projects, or finding ways to make space for rest, play, and community.